Realism Flashcards
How do right realist view crime?
They view it as a growing problem that undermines social cohesion and threatens society’s work ethic.
How do right realists view labelling theory?
They suggest that they are too sympathetic towards criminals
What are Right realists priority?
They are more concerned with figuring out a solution then understanding the true cause of the crime
What do right realists suggest the three main causes of crime are?
- Biological differences
- Socialisation and the ‘underclass’
- Rational choice theory
Who put forward the biosocial theory and what is it?
- Wilson and Herrnstien
- The view that crime is caused by biological and social factors
Give an example of a biological factor that might lead to crime.
- personality traits such as aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking tendencies, which may have a genetic basis.
- Herrnstein and Murray argue that the main cause of crime is low intelligence
How does effective socialisation decrease the risk of crime?
It ensures individuals are taught the correct moral values and self-control
What is the best agency of socialisation for right realist?
The nuclear family
What does Murray suggest about increasing crime rates?
The growing ‘underclass’ who fail to socialise their children properly
According to Murray, Why is the ‘underclass’ growing?
a result of welfare dependency
What does Murray say about lone mother?
They are ineffective socialisation agency, especially for boys. This is because they will lack the proper discipline from an appropriate male role model.
Define Rational choice theory
Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions by weighing costs and benefits to maximize personal advantage.
Who argued that the decision to commit a crime is a choice based on a rational calculation of the likely consequences?
Ron Clarke
Name a criticism of the right realist view of crime
